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Hand-held, center-drive concrete cutoff saws are a common item in many contractors' toolboxes — and for good reason. They're a versatile, quick and relatively inexpensive way to cut through concrete.

Yet, they aren't the do-all, end-all concrete cutting tool. Concrete chainsaws and, to some extent, offset-drive cutoff saws (or ring saws) can complement and, in some applications, do more than a standard cutoff saw.

"In many cases, a concrete cutoff saw and a concrete chainsaw work together," says Rebekah Gallert, demolition product manager, Wacker. "There are places for both, and I don't really see one tool ever replacing the other."

Doing your homework to know which saw to select for a particular job can help you make the most productive and cost-effective cut.

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Considerations about the type of saw to use on a particular job typically include the price of blades and initial cost of the tool. But they also include the time required for the cut, labor cost, maintenance cost and the ability to do different types of jobs. Remember, too, that for all saw types, the cost of consumables varies widely, depending on the application, saw model and other factors.